FLIR INTRODUCES ASSISTED DOCKING TECHNOLOGY

Monday, January 21, 2019

FLIR Systems has announced the Raymarine DockSense assisted docking system, said to be the marine industry’s first intelligent object recognition and motion sensing assisted docking solution for recreational boating.

DockSense uses FLIR machine vision camera technology and video analytics to integrate intelligence gathered from surrounding imagery with the vessel’s propulsion and steering system to assist in tight quarter docking manoeuvring. Additionally, FLIR announced that Prestige Yachts, a Groupe Beneteau brand, will become the first to demonstrate the technology.

The DockSense system is designed to augment a captain's boat handling using the system’s Virtual Bumper zone technology around the vessel. Should an object like a piling or another vessel encounter the Virtual Bumper, DockSense automatically introduces corrective steering and throttle commands to avoid the object and assist the captain in guiding the vessel to the dock.

DockSense uses GPS and attitude heading reference system (AHRS) position sensing technology to compensate for the effects of wind and currents, ensuring the vessel enters the dock without drama or collisions. The Raymarine DockSense system includes multiple FLIR machine vision cameras, a central processing module, and the DockSense App running on Raymarine’s Axiom navigation display. The system integrates with modern joystick propulsion systems, providing assisted steering and throttle commands to help captains make a smooth arrival.

“Raymarine DockSense assisted docking system embodies our focus on solutions by combining FLIR navigation, machine learning, and sensing technologies,” said Jim Cannon, President and CEO of FLIR. “Most importantly, we bring these innovations together into a simple solution that addresses a key customer challenge by taking the stress out of docking a boat and makes the boating experience safer and more enjoyable for everyone onboard.”

“Our goal is to be the global benchmark for all boating experiences,” said Hervé Gastinel, CEO of Groupe Beneteau. “The Raymarine DockSense solution will give future Prestige owners the confidence to dock safely and aligns with our vision to simplify the boating experience and make boating accessible to a much larger audience”, added Erik Stromberg, Prestige product marketing director.